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With a huge title match and a colossal Eight-Man Tag Team Match in the main event, RAW was a fantastic show filled with a number of surprises. The storylines progressed not only towards Super ShowDown but also WrestleMania 36.
Becky Lynch prevailed against Asuka, beating the latter to retain the RAW Women's Championship. However, Shayna Baszler made a surprising appearance by ambushing Lynch. Aleister Black beat Akira Tozawa, while Angel Garza was present on RAW again, picking up a victory over Cedric Alexander.
Rhea Ripley, the NXT Women's Champion, squashed Sarah Logan, as Charlotte Flair stood and watched the whole match. Having secured a WWE Championship match, Ricochet continued building momentum by defeating Bobby Lashley. The Monday Night Messiah stole a victory against Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe, and The Viking Raiders.
In this article, we take a look at five hints WWE dropped on RAW this week.
#5 It will take a while to see Aleister Black's next major feud
Aleister Black made his presence felt on RAW this week. The Dutch Destroyer wrestled Akira Tozawa, who didn't possess a major threat. Black squshed Tozawa and continued his impressive run. Also, Black delivered a promo after the match, sending a message to the entire RAW roster.
Black's last major feud was against Murphy, with whom he had three matches. All their matches were remarkable, and Black stood tall every single time, even though Murphy showed his merit in the squared circle.
After squashing Eric Young and Tozawa over the last two shows, Aleister Black is building momentum and the fans might need to wait a couple of weeks to see his next major opponent. Meanwhile, Black might continue beating lower mid-card Superstars of RAW for a while. Whoever picks a big fight with Black next time, he could become The Dutch Destroyer's opponent at the Grandest Stage of Them All.
#4 The fans need to wait for Randy Orton's explanation
Randy Orton certainly owes an explanation to the WWE Universe, after his brutal assault on Edge a couple of weeks ago. While it looked like The Viper might explain it last week, he didn't do it. Appearing on RAW this week, Orton was expected to clarify the reason behind the attack, but it didn't happen once again, hinting to stretch it for a few weeks before he decides to elaborate it to the fans.
While cutting a promo, Orton was interrupted by Matt Hardy, who tried taking him down memory lane. Nevertheless, The Viper wasn't patient enough to listen to Matt Hardy and he proceeded to attack the WWE legend. Similar to the attack on Edge, Orton also hit his head with a steel chair.
Turning heel after Royal Rumble, Orton has been creating a nuclear heat, showing his evil side this week again. With Edge set to compete again, WWE is likely to go forward with this storyline, and the two former tag team partners should collide at the Showcase of Immortals.
#3 Drew McIntyre might not have a match at Super ShowDown
Drew McIntyre, the Royal Rumble winner, has been running high after his emphatic win. It is already confirmed that the Scottish Psychopath will be taking on Brock Lesnar at the Grandest Stage of Them All. However, there are still two more pay-per-views left before heading to WrestleMania 36, and it will be interesting to see if McIntyre will compete in either of those two events.
After dismantling Mojo Rawley last time around, McIntyre made his presence felt this week as well, but he didn't compete in the ring. He sat down for an interview with MVP, who offered him to manage. Mr. 305 also took a shot at McIntyre saying he is not ready to main event WrestleMania. McIntyre didn't like MVP's offer and delivered a vicious Claymore Kick.
With just two weeks left for Super ShowDown, it seems like McIntyre will not be part of the event, considering he hasn't been involved in any other storyline. The company has already finalized a number of matches for the show in Saudi Arabia, including the WWE Championship match.
#2 Charlotte Flair might confirm the match against Rhea Ripley at NXT TakeOver: Portland
Charlotte Flair, who won the women's Royal Rumble match this year, is yet to announce her opponent for WrestleMania 36. The Queen already stated her lack of interest in facing Becky Lynch and Bayley. Hence, she might choose the reigning NXT Women's Champion, Rhea Ripley.
Charlotte also hinted it by appearing on NXT last week, where she confronted Ripley. Before Ripley could think of facing Charlotte, the former has a huge task of defending the title against Bianca Belair at NXT Takeover in Portland.
Rhea Ripley showed up on the Red Brand this week. The Australian sensation wrestled Sarah Logan in a singles match. While Ripley didn't toil hard to pin Logan, she was closely watched by Charlotte Flair, who still didn't accept The Nightmare's challenge this week.
The Queen took a jibe at Ripley and told her to defend the belt against Bianca Belair first at NXT TakeOver in Portland, hinting a possible appearance this Sunday. Given Charlotte already made her presence felt on NXT last week, it will not be surprising if she shows up at NXT TakeOver as well.
Charlotte could confirm the NXT Championship match against Rhea Ripley if the latter beats Bianca Belair on Sunday.
#1 Shayna Baszler is Becky Lynch's biggest challenge to date
Asuka received another title shot for the RAW Women's Championship, facing Becky Lynch on RAW this week. Losing to Becky Lynch at Royal Rumble, the Empress of Tomorrow asked for a rematch, which was granted by The Man last week. It was the opening match of the show, and the two women didn't disappoint the fans.
It was a good match, but the result didn't alter from their last encounter. A Manhandle Slam from The Man was enough to pin one half of the reigning Women's Tag Team Champion, Asuka. However, a massive shock took place after the match, when Shayna Baszler, the former NXT Women's Champion, attacked Becky Lynch.
Shayna Baszler proceeded to bite the neck of Lynch. As a matter of fact, there was blood all over the mouth of Baszler. Given the attack on RAW, WWE hinted that Baszler will be the opponent for Lynch, possibly at WrestleMania 36. Baszler could become a serious threat to dethrone The Man at the Showcase of Immortals.
